TV regulator confirms it has received complaints about Monday night's episode in which schoolgirl Bethany relived her rape ordeal

By Neal Baker

3rd October 2017, 7:11 pm

Updated: 3rd October 2017, 7:11 pm

CORONATION Street could face a probe after a scene in last night's episode showed sex abuse victim Bethany Platt being sketched in court.

Telly regulators Ofcom are considering investigating a string of complaints from angry viewers who said the show could prevent sex crime victims from coming forward out of fear of being identified.

An artist was seen sketching as rape victim Bethany gave evidence - which is against the law

Alleged victims of sex crimes have a right to lifelong anonymity.

The blunder was made worse by the artist drawing Bethany while in the courtroom — in breach of the 1925 Criminal Justice Act.

Court artists are not allowed to draw during proceedings, and instead are only permitted to make written notes to help make sketches from memory later.

Ofcom confirmed it had received six complaints about the episode — in which schoolgirl Bethany gave evidence of the rapes she suffered at the hands of groomer Nathan Curtis.

Bethany Platt faced off against Nathan and her other rapists in court in last night's Corrie episode

Coronation Street's Bethany Platt is sexually assaulted by multiple men in shock scene

Bethany cried in the witness box as she relived her ordeal

Complete anonymity - the law surrounding the identification of sex abuse victims

It is against the law to reveal the identity - or give information that could lead to anyone identifying - the alleged victim of a sex crime.

Under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, the victim in a case of rape or a sexual offence is entitled to anonymity in the press.

Once an allegation of one of the relevant offences has been made, nothing can be published which is likely to lead members of the public to identify the victim.

This includes names, adresses, physical descriptions, pictures or drawings.

(Source: The Crown Prosecution Service)

A spokesperson told The Sun: “We will assess these complaints before deciding whether or not to investigate.”

Corrie bosses have apologised, saying that the episode gave an untrue representation of court prodecures.

"The artist was solely used to illustrate the passing of time, and we devoted multiple scenes to the fact that Bethany’s anonymity is a priority for the court", a spokesperson said.

"We repeatedly focused on details regarding screens and video links, and support for victims throughout the court process, which we hope would encourage anyone watching to recognise the fact they would be in a safe place when giving evidence."